Gopinath Temple in Chamoli, Uttarakhand
Gopinath Temples is located in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Lord Shiva the temple is rooted in the unique tale of Kamdeva facing Lord Shiva’s wrath.
Madhyamaheshwar Temple in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Madhyamaheswar Temple in Rudraprayag, Uttrakhand is the second Kedar of the Panch Kedar Circuit. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple can be reached by a trek of 16 kms.
Story of the Second Kedar Madhyamaheshwar
Hidden amidst the pristine beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand lies Madhyamaheshwar, the second Kedar in the sacred Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. Located at an altitude of 3,497 meters in the Rudraprayag district, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The story of Madhyamaheshwar, like the other Kedars, is steeped in the legends of the Mahabharata. After the end of the great battle of Mahabharata, the Pandavas were burdened with guilt for killing their own kin. To seek forgiveness for their sins, they sought the blessings of Lord Shiva. However, Lord Shiva, unwilling to forgive them immediately, disguised himself as a bull and hid in Kedarnath
When the Pandavas chased after him, Bheema, the strongest of the Pandavas, managed to catch hold of the bull's hump. Lord Shiva, in his bull form, disintegrated into five different parts, each appearing at a different location in the Garhwal region. The navel (Madhya) of the bull appeared in Madhyamaheshwar, thus the name, meaning "the middle part of Mahesh (Shiva)."
It is believed that Bheema built the Madhyamaheshwar Temple at this very spot, and since then, the temple has become a significant stop on the Panch Kedar pilgrimage.
Buda Madhyamaheshwar
Just 2 kilometers above the Madhyamaheshwar Temple is a small lake and a shrine known as Buda Madhyamaheshwar or Old Madhyamaheshwar. This temple offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Chaukhamba and Kedar peaks, especially at sunrise and sunset. Pilgrims visiting Madhyamaheshwar often make the additional trek to Buda Madhyamaheshwar for its spiritual significance and the breathtaking views.
How to Reach Madhyamaheshwar
Reaching Madhyamaheshwar is an adventure in itself. The journey begins from Ransi village, the last motorable road leading to the temple. From Ransi, one must embark on a 16-kilometer trek through beautiful landscapes, including lush green forests, waterfalls, meadows, and rocky terrains. The trek, though slightly challenging, is highly rewarding as it offers stunning views of the Himalayan ranges, including the Chaukhamba peak.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 225 kilometers away from Ransi village. From there, one can hire a taxi or take public transport to reach Rudraprayag and then continue to Ransi.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, approximately 205 kilometers from Ransi. From Rishikesh, taxis and buses are available to reach Rudraprayag and further to Ransi village.
By Road: Madhyamaheshwar is accessible by road up to Ransi village, which is well connected by buses and taxis from Rudraprayag, Rishikesh, and Haridwar.
Best Time to Visit Madhyamaheshwar
The Madhyamaheshwar Temple is open for worship from May to November, after which it is closed due to heavy snowfall in the region. During the winter months, the deity is moved to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where it is worshipped until the temple reopens the following year.
The ideal time to visit Madhyamaheshwar is from May to October, when the temple is open, and the weather is favorable for trekking. During the monsoon season (July-August), heavy rains can make the trek challenging, so planning your visit before or after the monsoons is advisable.
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